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Shirakawa Gokou Matcha
Dancing green brilliance and a deeply hidden display of potent aromatics await all who dive into this single-cultivar matcha from Kettl Tea. I’ve had a great deal of time away from preparing matcha, so tasting this brings a renewed clarity to the palate as I savor each of three sips this rich tea has to…
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Steap’d In Storytelling: Mona from Teawala
In this first interview recorded for the blog, I’m thrilled to introduce Mona, the tea enthusiast, proud Hong Konger, and Founder of Teawala, a source for authentic teas direct from farms aimed at celebrating the people, places, and traditions behind each cup. Ever since we met virtually for tea this summer, I’ve found great joy…
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Tea for Rainy Days: Umbrella 2020 from W2T
The pitter-patter of rain pelts the navy blue umbrella of a gentleman in a dapper suit as he thoughtfully hurries up the steps. He’s careful to not splash water from the rushing stream flowing down the street gutter. A seagull caws overhead seeking some semplance of shelter as it begrudgingly settles under the building awning…
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One Year Later
Today marks the first anniversary of this written space! It wouldn’t be what it is without you; the curious mind that has chosen to direct their attention to my evolving perception and relationship within the tea. The photo above is of my first gaiwan and has served a reminder that all storms pass and that…
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The Taste of Kyoto: Hojicha Classic From Hojicha Co.
The streets of Kyoto not only fill the air with the humming din of vehicles passing by but also the pleasant aromas of freshly roasted green tea. Nearly a year ago I reflected upon the Hojicha Hanamitsu and found autumnal comfort from its rich, smoky, depth of flavor, and vanilla smoothness. This time is different.…
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The Good Fortune of Jin Kong Que “Golden Peacock”
Back with another partnered blog article with Masters Teas by Adagio, I taste and dive into this well-balanced Yunnan black tea. Its versatility and well-rounded malt and sweet potato attributes make this pleasant year-round. Click on The Good Fortune of Jin Kong Que Tea to see my exploration! Steep well! -Marco
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A Complete Guide To: Zhang Ping Shui Xian (漳平水仙茶)
Impressed by all aspects of this compressed oolong from Masters Teas by Adagio, I’ve been fortunate to have shared my thoughts and the history of this tea on their website. Click on A Complete Guide To: Zhang Ping Shui Xian (漳平水仙茶) to see my exploration! Steep well! -Marco
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An Exercise In Decisiveness
I grew up in an environment where everything felt predetermined as either right or wrong. Being raised in a boarding school campus and a house with 9 other kids my age meant that topics with innate fluidity in morality and decision-making were automatically placed on the pendulum of good and bad. This created order amid…
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Not Just Tea: The Untold History And Future Of Tea
With over 360 attendees spanning 29 countries throughout the world, I, along with many friends within the community, witnessed four leaders within the industry give their take on the current state of affairs. In wonderful expression, the panel was hosted by Khrys Vaughan of In Her Company, featured Rui Liu of GrassPeopleTree, Elyse Petersen of…
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